Great North takes Folk Tui title

‘Halves’, by Auckland-based alt-country group Great
North, has taken the Tui for Best Folk Album 2013.

The
winner was announced today (January 27) by the Recording
Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) at the Auckland
Folk Festival in Kumeu (West Auckland).

Great North
has undergone major changes since the release of its debut
album in 2010. The band has a new drummer, Ryan Attwood,
after the original drummer moved to Hawaii for work and
love. Also, guitarist Strahan Cole joined Avalanche City
forcing him to split his time between the two groups.

The biggest change though came when frontrunner and
songwriter, Hayden Donnell, married the bass guitarist,
Rachel Harrison, giving rise to a new lyrical inspiration as
he became preoccupied with thoughts of establishing their
life together.

This resulted in the collection of
unconventional love songs that makes up the award-winning
second album, ‘Halves’.

The album dispenses with
the familiar tales of infatuation and heartbreak, and
instead concentrates on a more mature, meaningful
relationship, expressing the depth and maturity the band has
gained.

Released in May 2012, ‘Halves’ has
received critical acclaim across both the music and general
media; being dubbed ‘majestic’, ‘meaningful’, and
reminiscent of Okkervil River, the successful Texan indie
rock band.

RIANZ managing director Chris Caddick says
it’s great to see folk music grow in popularity in New
Zealand, as much as it is internationally, and congratulates
the band on its success.

“Sincere congratulations to
Great North, deserving winner of the Tui for Best Folk Album
2013.

“With ‘Halves’, Great North has fully
realised the potential hinted at in its earlier releases.
From the sophisticated lyrics to the marvellous instrumental
accompaniment – this is a world-class album of which the
band should be rightly proud,” says Chris.

The other
finalists for the 2013 Folk Tui Award were Auckland-based
solo artist Brenda Liddiard with ‘Box of Memories’, and
‘Claimed By the Sea’ by Wellington duo French For
Rabbits.

The Auckland Folk Festival is an annual
festival of music, song and dance held at Kumeu Showground,
northwest of Auckland. The festival is organised by
members of Devonport Folk Music Club, Titirangi Folk Music
Club, Auckland Bluegrass & Traditional Old Time Country
Music Club, Tir Na Nog, and City of Auckland Morris
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